Fukuzawa Yukichi
Where is civilization without the foundation of education?



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Legendary Quotes
It is said that heaven does not create one man above or below another man. Any existing distinction between the wise and the stupid, between the rich and the poor, comes down to a matter of education. (Gakumon no Susume [An Encouragement of Learning] (1872-1876)

In its broad sense, civilization means not only comfort in daily necessities but also the refining of knowledge and the cultivation of virtue so as to elevate human life to a higher plane... It refers to the attainment of both material well-being and the elevation of the human spirit, [but] since what produces man's well-being and refinement is knowledge and virtue, civilization ultimately means the progress of man's knowledge and virtue. (Bunmeiron no Gairyaku [An Outline of a Theory of civilization](1875)

Moreover, the argument for national polity, for Christianity, and for Confucianism... are also insufficient to bolster people's hearts. What, then, will? I say there is one thing: namely, to establish our goal and advance toward civilization... The way in which to preserve this independence cannot be sought anywhere except in civilization. (Bunmeiron no Gairyaku [An Outline of a Theory of civilization] (1875)

Once the wind of Western civilization blows to the East, every blade of grass and every tree in the East follow what the Western wind brings... We do not have time to wait for the en­lightenment of our neighbors so that we can work together toward the development of Asia. It is better for us to leave the ranks of Asian na­tions and cast our lot with civilized nations of the West... We should deal with them exactly as the Westerners do.
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"Datsu-a-ron" [On departure from Asia], Jiji Shimpo (1885-03-16)

Therefore, to teach them [women] at least an outline of economics and law is the first requirement after giving them a general education. Figuratively speaking, it will be like providing the women of civilized society with a pocket dagger for self-protection.
(From Fukuzawa Yukichi on Japanese Women (1988), trans. Kiyooka Eiichi)


Fukuzawa Yukichi says?
Japanese society is falling behind. In order create a civilization that can come to par with that of the Western World, we need these three things...

Individual Independence
To develop the strong potential nation of japan, we must build a nation of strong people, which includes one of the most important elements, independence. One must not depend on the strength of others to get the job done, but should increase one's innate abilities to become more independent thus making the nation more independent, increasing the prosperity for the nation as a whole. To do so, we need education to instruct and enlighten the people of all classes.

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Education
"It is said that heaven does not create one man above or below another man. Any existing distinction between the wise and the stupid, between the rich and the poor, comes down to a matter of education." To catch up with the rapidly modernizing Western World, we must assert with the belief that all members of the Japanese society are equal hence are entitled the same righteous circumstances for anyone. No matter what family they are born to, they can assume power to influence the society in a beneficial way. Once our nations' people have surpassed those of many, this will lead to competition promoting further advancement towards competition.

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Competition
Once our nation has come to the level of the Western civilization, we will become a powerful rival to all others. Such fixture and competition not only nationally but internationally as well, will hopefully not lead to conflict, but for further promotion of self-strength. Through self-strength, the prestigious nation of Japan will prosper like no other!

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Supreme Civilization

Works Cited
1867, some 100 students were enrolled in Keio Gijuku, he was also authoring many significant books, with An Encouragement of Learning (Gakumon no Susume) the most celebrated. It was not long before he brought in professors from overseas, and who provided students with an entirely new educational experience.. "Keio Founder Yukichi Fukuzawa | Keio University." Keio University. N.p., n.d. Web. 18 Apr. 2010. <http://www.keio.ac.jp/english/about_keio/fukuzawa.html>.

"Fukuzawa Yukichi." Rob Ketcherside. N.p., n.d. Web. 18 Apr. 2010. <http://www.zombiezodiac.com/rob/fukuzawa.htm>.

"Fukuzawa Yukichi - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia." Main Page - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. N.p., n.d. Web. 18 Apr. 2010. <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fukuzawa_Yukichi>.